The Star Trac Pro Spin Bike is the ultimate spin bike and is built for the serious athlete and manufactured by Star Trac Fitness.

These spin bikes are easy to maintain and designed to push the rider to the next level in their exercise workout routine.

This Star Trac provides a real road bike feel and designed to consistently give the rider the ride of their lives day in and day out.

Plus when you factor in the convenience of easy rolling casters and unsurpassed reliability this makes riding the spin bike everything you would want in a stationary bike at a price that will have you shaking your head.

This particular spin bike is equipped with dual sided pedals with large platforms and SPD compatibility, making them more stable for serious riding.

The Star Trac Pro also provides a micro adjustable seat and handlebar post that delivers a great fit for all body sizes plus a no slip grip handlebar that also includes a dual water bottle holder for better hydration during your workout routine.

Other features of the spin bike included a plastic rim on the inner radius to protect the fly wheel from rust and corrosion; a bottom bracket crank cover; a two piece fender that protects the bike and flywheel assembly; a pop pin slider adjustment system and a push brake safety system that brings the flywheel to a fast stop with minimal effort.

A little info about the manufacturer Star Trac, they remain at the forefront of the exercise equipment industry, designing breakthrough products that set standards and establish new models for gym equipment.

The only downside to the Star Trac spinning bike is the expense which can be over thousand dollars for a brand new spin bike that is commercial grade.

An easy solution would be to find a used gym equipment company that specializes in used fitness equipment because buying used will save you as much as fifty percent or more without sacrificing quality.

Just make sure that the company has been in business for at least five years and that they have a customer service department that you can call and talk to someone live.

I would also make sure that they had a website and a used exercise equipment repair service to ensure that all of the fitness equipment that they buy has been reconditioned to like new or better than new condition.

The Star Trac Pro spin bike is a fantastic bike that will provide you with years of biking exercise and given the recent craze in spin bike exercise programs this machine will fit nicely in your daily exercise program.

For more information on quality used exercise equipment and the company I personally recommend as being number one in the industry for buying reconditioned fitness equipment for as much as fifty percent off or more, see my website below.

For those of you who would like to be able to cycle to work, or anywhere you want to get to, without the worry of where to leave your bike safely, or for people who wish to have a mode of exercise and transport that is easy to store at home, then getting one of the various designs of fold up bikes could be the solution. But there’s no need to worry, as fold up bikes are no longer “uncool” or geeky!

As the summer approaches with hotter days and lighter evenings, our thoughts quickly turn to the outdoors and ways to spend as much time outside as possible. Most of us also start to worry about our physiques in preparation for our new summer wardrobes, so exercise and diet become a priority.

Cycling is an excellent way to exercise outside, as well as a useful mode of environmentally friendly transport. However, plans of cycling everywhere possible are sometimes scrapped due to the difficulty of where to leave your bike on arrival. This is where fold up bikes have the advantage over conventional non-folding bikes.

The issue of storage with fold up bikes isn’t a problem at all as you can just fold it up and take it inside with you. Riders of fold up bikes don’t need to fret about finding a suitable space to leave their bike, or about the security of leaving it outdoors unguarded. All they have to do instead is fold their collapsible bike up into its compact form and take it with them, without any storage or security worries.

Makers of fold up bikes have recently started to combat the tag of “uncool” that has previously been given to the product. So there are now plenty of new designs available from leading brands, all offering a selection of designs and colours to suit many tastes.

The prize winning Go Bike from Quebec in Canada is the ideal example of the new “cool” style of fold up bikes. It is available in five cool colours – blue, green, orange, Lumi blue and Anthracite – and it incorporates leading technological design features to guarantee a practical yet innovative bike.

The Go Bike has a universal, one-size-fits-all design, with a telescopic seat post and adjustable stem to suit riders of every age and sex from 4ft7″ (1.40 m) up to 6ft3″ (1.9m), and a maximum weight of 110kg (245lbs). It is easy to carry and to store, with a lightweight aluminum frame and fork construction. It has ultra sturdy textured silver anodized finish on the stem, and both the rear and front forks, and it looks uber cool.

Since their initial design fold up bikes have come a very long way and now use innovative and funky designs and trendy colours alongside their original practical usage and storage advantages. Fold up bikes are now a credible alternative to conventional bikes with the benefits of being able to take them anywhere and store them safely.

Yamaha Dealers located around the world offer road bike enthusiasts a wide range of motorcycles that appeal to each and every individual rider. We have outlined four of the many road bikes currently available from Yamaha Dealers below, listing a few distinctive characteristics for each bike.

The Yamaha V-Max
This powerful and reliable V4 engine motorcycle has been designed to provide riders with an unforgettable combination of innovation and acceleration. This motorcycle is powered by the all-new liquid-cooled 4-stroke V4 engine. Four unbeatable features that distinguish this bike from others on the market include:

The Yamaha YZF-R1Y
This innovative and exciting motorcycle has been designed with the all-new 998cc engine whose design, feel and make-up has been influenced by Rossi’s championship winning M1, the new high-tech R1 powerplant is very much linked to a Moto GP bike. Unique features of this bike include:

1. An entirely redesigned aluminium Deltabox chassis.
2. Hard-line new styling give the new-generation YZF-R1 a major new look.
3. Sets a new standard for the super-competitive 1000cc supersport category.

The Yamaha YZF-R6 09
This high-rpm engine motorcycle with its application of variable-length intakes has added effect than it does on the R1, improving transitional power features and power feel from mid-range through to 14,500rpm. The unique personality of this bike comes from rigid testing and development undergone by engineers – offering riders remarkable satisfaction when ridden. Further exclusive features of this bike include:

1. Yamaha Chip-Controlled Intake in addition to the Yamaha Chip-Controlled Throttle.
2. New-design piston with a somewhat convex head shape and shallower valve recess.
3. The new crankshaft bearing is wider and stronger.
4. New rigidity and strength balance, further improving the matchless R6 handling.

The YZF-R1X 08
For super-sport performance you can’t go past this Yamaha R1 motorcycle. This bike has astonishing responsiveness that reacts almost telepathically to rider input. The agility and steering precision delivered by this bike really has to be experienced to be believed. A few elite features of this bike include:

There are simply dozens of road bikes available to buy in the marketplace today. Yamaha Dealers can be found worldwide. Locate your local dealer today and check out a road bike for yourself.

Opening its doors in May 2004, Waikato Yamaha is New Zealand’s number one Yamaha dealer and is also the first Yamaha Platinum Dealer in New Zealand.

The Service Department strives to provide a higher level of service, skill and professionalism. It is important to have highly skilled motivated staff in this very competitive industry. Waikato Yamaha’s dedicated staff, have a wide range of motorcycle experience, in the industry, competitive and recreational riding, and in the farming sector.

BMX (bicycle motocross) racing has come a long way since it was first conceptualized. In fact, the humble origins of the sport are often cited as stemming from the motocross documentary, On Any Sunday, which opened in 1971. The opening scenes of that movie followed kids on their Schwinn Sting-Ray bicycles riding dirt tracks and imitating motocross riders.

Of course, those scenes were based on something that was already taking place. Generally it is recognized that BMX as a sport found its footing in California. The bicycle races were predominantly composed of kids who had the desire to participate in motocross but could not afford it. Instead, these riders would groom their own dirt courses and use their bikes. Today’s BMX racing tracks, with inline starts and expressive obstacles, trace back to this origin.

While ever since the invention of the bicycle there have been those who attempted innovations and tricks, most bikes up until this point were designed primarily as a means of transportation. Schwinn’s Sting-Ray changed that. The Sting-Ray was released in 1963 at a time when custom cars and motorbikes were becoming popular. It was custom-built for riding off-road at high speeds and landing jumps. These bikes became popular fast, and quickly became one of the best-selling bikes in the country. Afterward, more manufacturers took note and began designing bicycles with similar custom features, such as twenty-inch wheels.

As custom bikes continued to grow in popularity and design evolution, riders continued to test the limits of what they could do. As this trend continued into the 1980s, BMX came to be about more than just racing. Riders began to perform skateboard-style tricks, and this is how the freestyle division of BMX was born. As a result, new bikes were designed to provide optimal conditions for performing increasingly difficult tricks.

By the 1990s, the sport was nearly ubiquitous. BMX was featured as a major part of the X-Games on ESPN. That trend has continued to the present day, where BMX racing is bigger than ever. The sport has grown to have its own international governing body, and BMX races took place as an Olympic sport for the first time in 2008.

Along with the sport, the bikes themselves have continued to evolve. Anyone interested in BMX biking today has a high and diverse number of bikes available. Which bike is best for you depends on how you plan to ride.

In essence, BMX bikes are simply a type of mountain bike designed to excel on off-road surfaces. These bikes feature 18- to 24-inch wheels and are designed to be lightweight and durable. Their design makes them particularly suited for racing and tricks.

There are actually three forms of BMX racing, with specially designed bikes in each category; namely, racing, freestyle and jumping bikes. Whether you want to race competitively or just have fun on homemade trails, these categories can still be helpful for determining which kind of bike is best for you.

Racing BMX designs are made specifically with the idea of speed in mind. They are composed of lightweight frames and feature customized tires designed to excel on off-road surfaces.

Freestyle bikes are very sturdy, with thick frames and pavement-ready BMX tires. These bikes are best for riding in skate parks, where you can learn and practice stunts and tricks.

Finally, jump bikes feature strong, sturdy frames, capable suspension systems and knobby tires. As the name suggests, they are meant to handle jumps comfortably, whether that be as part of a circuit or a homemade jump in the backyard. These bikes are also good on trails.

If you are just starting out riding off-road at high speeds, then you may want to start with a racing BMX, as these allow you to get out on the track and will have you learning the basics in no time. It is also never a bad idea to contact your local bike shop to get advice on which bike will work for your purposes and with your build.

In addition to these categories, bicycle customization is becoming more widely accessible. This allows you to tailor your bike to your specific racing and aesthetic desires. Whether you want a bike you can occasionally take off-road at high speeds, or you are looking to become a devoted BMX racer, today’s BMX rider has more biking options available than ever before.

In the history of cycling companies, Cervélo bikes are a relatively new and pioneering company. Having only been set up in 1995, the company has seen substantial growth and success making it one of the leading bike manufacturers around today!

The Cervélo Cycles brand was born when two cycling fanatics decided to take their hard work developing the best time trial bikes to the open market. Phil White and Gérard Vroomen set up the company after a top Italian cyclist approached them to help design the fastest possible time trial bike. The cyclist felt his sponsor could only develop traditional bikes developed through the combination of off the shelf tubesets and he had decided that he wanted more. He approached Gérard with the hope of a brand new innovative, aerodynamic design which was specifically for time trials.

Their work began analysing the current bikes available and the most important features which should be included in the new design. This resulted in a completely unique bike built specifically for that rider and pushed almost every boundary of any other time trial bike. Obviously, in the bike world, this became a phenomenon and everywhere it was seen, people asked where they could get their own.

In 1996 Cervélo launched with two road bikes and two trial/triathlon bikes. The technology was so radical that pro cyclists were at first reluctant to try them. They had got used to the bike they currently owned and did not want to start compromising wins to test the new bike. However, in 2000 new rules were bought in regarding equipment by the International Cycling Union which made many of the bikes cyclist currently used, illegal. This was a hue turning point for the company who had planned for these changes and previously released a new model line which adhered to the rules.

Since then Cervélo have achieved numerous successes. The company became the youngest and smallest company to provide bikes to a professional team in 2003 when they became the official bike supplier for team CSC. Team CSC then were crowned the number 1 pro cycling team for the next three consecutive years. In 2008 this relationship ended and 2009 saw Cevélo launch their own pro cycling team which was led by Carlos Sastre, winner of the Tour de France 2008.

More recently Cervélo has gone from strength to strength and at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, over 40 riders competed on Cervélo bikes resulting in 10 Olympic Medals. Their newest 2010 bike range consists of four categories of bikes. Two road bike ranges named the R range and S range, the P range of Triathlon and time trial bikes and the T range of track bikes and Cevélo bike frames.

About Primera: We are often described as the leading UK bike specialist on the South coast. Catering to all disciplines of cycling including triathlons, we offer products both off and online. We also have a huge range of Cervélo bikes bikes and Cevélo bike frames.

There are several reasons to trade in your old bike for a sparkly new one. It may be that one’s old bike is simply worn out and in need of replacement. Alternatively, it could be that a new bike has a better design and features. Finally, it could be that a new bicycle is more suited for certain purposes, like mountain bikes for off-road trail riding.

Upgrade

There are multiple arguments for why a bike upgrade might be justifiable. If your old bike is lying around with flat tyres, rusting in a shed, then there must be a reason for it. Hopefully it’s not for having lost the desire to ride altogether. It may be that the bicycle you own no longer serves its prior purpose. It could be that it’s too old, too uncomfortable or simply too hard to fix. One needs to consider whether attempting to revive an old bicycle to a rideable state is worth the effort or expense.

New Design

While it is a shame to get rid of an old bicycle, if it no longer meets the needs and requirements of the rider, then one is better off doing away with it. Newer bikes have continually enhanced designs and features to satisfy the modern bike rider. Suspension on mountain bikes is one example. It was a rarity in times gone by, but is now becoming quite common on more modern models. For the comfort it provides the serious mountain biker, it may turn out to be indispensable.

Quick release skewers are another enhancement that are now sometimes used to conveniently detach and re-attach parts of the bicycle, such as the wheels and seat. For someone who needs to work on their bike regularly, such an advancement may save a lot of hassle with bolts and spanners.

Practicalities

An impractical bicycle is one that is probably rarely ridden. In such a case, an upgrade to an appropriate bicycle is probably warranted. For example, trying to ride a road bike on a farm may be fraught with difficulty. A trade in for a mountain bike or BMX will probably mean happier riding.

In a world of rising fuel prices and environmental concern, some keen cyclists may consider riding to work. If public transport is required for part of the journey, a folding bike could be handy to squeeze into peak hour trains. Such a bike is also more easily stored once one arrives at their place of work.

If it’s a difficult decision to part with one’s old bike, but a new bike is needed, one might consider keeping both.

One bike could be used for daily use, and another for its specific purpose. An old bike might be suitable as a runaround, or for riding to the train station, but could be left at home in place of a racing road bike for more serious biking pursuits.

Whether it’s for a new smoother running bike, a better or more comfortable design, or for a bike that’s simply more practical to one’s current situation, it’s always nice to upgrade to a new bicycle. A range of BMX bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes and specialty bikes give the consumer plenty to choose from.

Shop online for cycling bikes at Sell Your Bike – the best bicycle classifieds in Australia. New & used bicycles for sale. For more information or to view our bikes, visit Mountain Bikes.

Whether heading to the park for a refreshing bike-ride over the open trails or broken down on the side of the road; convenience, portability and security are coming with some of the newer E-bike designs that are not only electric, but have some being foldable; allowing the bike to fit snuggly inside your trunk. These new E-bikes that are becoming available will provide more advanced and in-expensive ways to get around. Whether you are site seeing, running errands or simply going back and forth to work, these bikes could become a favorite new form of transportation. We are seeing many different models, options and designs going from blueprints and prototypes to production lines and into the marketplace.

Many companies; including some major car manufacturers, are all coming out with their own Eco-friendly designed versions of E-bikes. Many have geared their designs towards finding the most practical options that will have consumers biking more and driving less. Newly advanced electric, foldable and rechargeable E-bikes are sure to create a new wave of cyclers; saving consumers money with a fuel and cost efficient way of traveling. As car-makers are trying to find their way into the environmentally friendly market, their new E-bikes may very well soon become the newest standard option included with the purchase of one of their new vehicles.

Even the MIT experts have joined in the new E-bike trend by creating their prototype of a wheel hub-cap that attaches to your bike and is planned on being marketed towards the end of this year. Their smart-hub is designed to store up energy in a rechargeable onboard battery. The battery is designed to recharge itself whenever you use your brakes and then releases that stored up energy; kicking on the electric motor whenever the hub-cap senses you are traveling uphill or struggling with your pedaling. The smart hub will also have an advanced on board communication system installed.

Volkswagen’s new electric E-bike is designed to easily fold up and fit neatly into that spare tire or luggage compartment area of your car. Having one of VW’s new E-bikes next to your spare is sure to offer you more flexibility, freedom and fun with your daily transportation options. Their version of the E-bike is a lightweight pedal-less electric bicycle that is expected to get 12.5 miles out of a single charge. This bike is reported to weigh less than 45 pounds (20 kilograms), has a set of 20″ wheels and could have you effortlessly traveling as fast as 12.5 miles per hour. Further convenience comes with the bike being able to charge directly from your car; eliminating the hassles of worrying that it may not be ready for its next journey. These new electric bikes are ready for marketing, but there has been no mention yet of price or the actual date it will available to the public.

Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Volkswagen’s Research and Development Chief, said this about the new E-bike: “We have a special company within our organization that sells all kinds of products, supplementing our cars… This team is currently looking at this vehicle and is establishing a viable business case.”

Style and comfort is being offered with BMW’s version of its Eco-friendly mountain bike. BMW has been producing some great options and styles on motorcycles and cars for a while now and will soon enter its new M-bike into the public arena. Although this is not an electric version; nor does it offer a fold-up option; it does come with all the bells n’ whistles that one expects from BMW. The M-bike offers the famous M logo, comfortable grip handles, disc brakes, a comfortable leather seat and more. The bike has been retrofitted with a total gear ratio transmission; which allows for traveling at higher speeds. BMW has not released the pricing details as of yet; but their M-bike is said to be available in June 2010.

Lexus has developed their own Eco-friendly bike version or better known as their hybrid. The Hybrid offers both a sleek and stylish design and uses pedal power to boost the 240w onboard electric motor via the 25.9 Lithium-ion battery and brake regenerating system. The Lexus hybrid E-bike was built to give the rider the choice of using regular or power modes. The Hybrid has an eight speed automatic transmission for easy transitions. All the Lexus finesse was built into this prototype and works with the same drive system in Lexus’s hybrid cars. Even though this E-bike hybrid has all the makings of offering consumers a great fuel and cost efficient alternative; it has been reported that Lexus is not intending to put this hybrid design into production as of yet.

The UK Yike-Bike maker Grant Ryan has designed a unique and interesting option for consumers. The Yike-Bike was developed to be a light-weight, foldable and motorized bike alternative that would provide a realistic and easy to use option for transportation. This bike is so light-weight (just over 22 pounds or just under 10 kilos) and portable (folds up in about 15 seconds with practice) that it comes with its own over the shoulder carrying bag. This carry bag option provides the ease of not having to worry about where you are going to leave or lock-up the bike in-between stops.

This Yike-bike is nowhere near the deisgn of traditional bicycles; as it has the steering and anti-skid braking controls behind you and the pedals would be best described as foot rests. The onboard 1.2kw electric motor does all the work; generating a top speed of 13 mph. The company has estimated that a full 30 minute charge of its battery would sustain about a 5 mile (7-8 kilometers) ride. The Yike-bike has gotten street use approval in the UK, Germany, New Zealand and others; but it has not been approved for street use in the U.S. yet.

There is no question that the Yike-bike is an interesting and fuel efficient alternative form of transportation. The question is what’s the price? The new Yike-bike comes with a price tag of about $4,800. The Yike-bike’s design calls for an ideal height of 5 feet 3 inches; with a safe weight limit being about 220 pounds. (100 total kilos)

Which company will be the one to produce an E-bike that will prove to be the most efficient, convenient and cost effective is yet to be determined. The exciting news is that everyone is on board with trying to find the best design to move us from expensive and pollutant fuels to a cleaner, less expensive and a more sustainable alternative for transportation. Volkswagen seems to be ready to market a sure-hit with their foldable electric E-bike and it’s only a matter of time, before the population can truly begin shifting over to these more advanced, consumer ready and eco-friendly technologies; which can effectively lead to reducing carbon emissions and reducing carbon based fuel dependency.

Many people associate motorbike riders as people throwing caution to the wind. Nothing could be father from the truth. There are some that use motorbikes to ride rough and tough, there are some that take family road trips on their motorbikes, and even those that use their motorcycles in place of a car, riding back and forth from home and work.

Choosing from a selection of new motorbikes can be daunting, but if one goes armed with the knowledge needed for an educated choice, a rider need not leave a dealership confused and unhappy. In selecting new motorbikes, the first idea should be how it will be used. If one is using the bike to ride take long rides on the weekend, they may want a tourer or a cruiser. For those looking to get a bit more adventure in, then an off-road or super sports bike may be just the ticket. Taking a good look at what a rider needs and wants before plopping down hard earned cash will save a lot of indecision or unhappiness later on.

For the riders looking for comfort and style, check out the cruiser or tourer class of motorbike. The cruiser is meant to handle comfortable. The feet are forward set and hands are neutrally positioned or sometimes set high when riding this bike adding to its comfort factor. They are stylishly designed and can be made to customer specifications. Add on features are expected when purchasing this kind of motorcycle. A tourer is meant for riders taking on ling distance. To protect the rider from elements, such as wind, rain, and bugs; the tourer often comes equipped with large windshields and large fairings. Sport touring bikes are just what they seem; a combination of a luxury tourer and a sport bike. There is more carrying capacity than a sport bike, but the ride is more nimble than it would be with a full dress touring bike.

The aggressive rider may be more satisfied with a bike that can take a pounding. Off road are lightweight, allowing riders to take jumps, one would not try with a cruiser. They come with tires that provide extra traction for riding in unpaved areas. This is the kind of bike often used in MX racing. Sport bikes are aerodynamically designed and used for racetrack racing. They offer more speed than a sport tourer and can take tight turns well.

There are several factors that you should consider when buying your first dirt bike. It is sometimes difficult determining the best bike for any individual since the dirt bike manufacturers offer many choices. It is important to research the different types of dirt bikes available so you can purchase a bike that is well-suited for your skill level.

Will your dirt bike be used for recreational purposes or do you plan on racing?

Some manufacturers offer bikes that are more specific for your choice of riding. If you plan on riding your dirt bike as a leisure activity, you should decide if you would like to ride trails, tracks or both.

The R class is a pure motocross bike that is designed with motocross tracks and competition in mind.

The X class is offered up as a CRF250X and CRF450X. These bikes are used in factory racing in the Baja 1000 and Baja 500. They are like their brothers in the R class but the X class bikes come with a headlight and are geared and tuned with trail riding in mind.

Honda also offers F class bikes that are made more for the weekend warrior or for riders looking to spend time riding and not so much time working on their bikes. The F class bikes are a little more “cushy” with their electric start and more plush suspension. The F class bikes are perfect for the family to get out to enjoy; and give the kids a break from the video games!

Honda isn’t the only manufacturer that offers this wide variety, so you should research each manufacturer before you buy

If you plan on racing, you might also attend some local races and ask riders why they prefer a particular dirt bike manufacturer over another.

Age, Size and Experience of the Rider

Age and size of the rider are other factors to consider and also the experience level of the rider should be taken into consideration. Don’t be Superman and buy a bike beyond your skill level. Riding over your head can happen on the track as well as with choosing the size of your bike. It is better to ride well on a bike that fits your experience level than to look cool on a bigger bike that is too powerful for you.

New Bike vs. Used Bike

Which is better for you? If you are new to dirt bike riding you might consider buying a used dirt bike first because it is a significant investment to purchase a new dirt bike only to discover that it may not be your thing after trying it a time or two. A new dirt bike’s resale value drops as soon as you leave the store with your new toy. If you decide that you don’t like riding your dirt bike, it is more difficult to get a good return on your investment if you would like to sell it right away.

If you purchase a used dirt bike, you can typically sell it for around the same price that you paid for it if you decide after trying it once or twice that dirt bike riding is not for you. Also keep in mind that a used dirt bike is like a used car– you just don’t know what you are getting. It helps if you are a bit mechanically inclined so you would have the ability to troubleshoot and repair a used dirt bike if something should break soon after your purchase.

New dirt bikes are awesome as you should most likely get some kind of warranty and new bikes don’t require as much maintenance early on. There’s also something exciting about buying a used bike and making it new, if you like to work on your bike.

Whether you choose to buy new or used, your bike will eventually be taken apart and put back together, either by you or an experienced mechanic. When you maintain your bike yourself it is a lot easier to fix problems at the track or wherever you ride. No matter how well you maintain your bike, something will eventually break! Having some spare parts handy, such as spark plugs, and a toolbox filled with the appropriate tools is always helpful.

When purchasing a used dirt bike, your goal as a buyer is to appear knowledgeable and ask the seller several questions, such as:

Has the dirt bike been raced?

How many owners has the bike had?

Can you tell me about the service history of the bike?

What has the bike been used for and where has it been ridden?

Two Stroke vs. Four Stroke

Once again what are you planning to do? If you are just riding for fun a two-stroke is cheaper as far as maintenance. Four-strokes have valves and less time between tune-ups. Two strokes with the proper oil and gas mixture will last a long time. You may be thinking “They both have valves,” and they do but two-strokes have reed valves and four-strokes have valves that work in unison with a camshaft and need to stay in time with the crank shaft and piston so they don’t hit each other. If they are over-revved and they make contact, a valve will bend or break and that will be very costly.

If you’ve done all of the research and you are still not sure which is the best choice, you could just pick your favorite Supercross rider’s manufacturer; or you could start with your favorite color and make a trip to your local motorsports store and have a salesperson share what they know on a particular bike.

The”Big Five” and Popular Supercross Racers include:

Red: Honda, Kevin Windham

Green: Kawasaki, Ryan Villopoto

Orange: KTM, Justin Brayton

Yellow: Suzuki, Chad Reed

Blue: Yamaha, James Stewart

Once you decide on the perfect dirt bike according to your preferences, make sure you have all of the proper safety gear before taking your bike out for your first exhilarating ride around your favorite track or trail. Ride Safe!

You may find yourself making revving noises in front of a fan, imagining the feel of a hot and grumbling exhaust pipe next to your leg. You may have been wearing a leather jacket around the house, even on hot summer days. Inexplicable behavior to some, but to those in the know, these are signs that you’re saving up to buy your first 2000cc motorcycle.

Harley, Honda, or Suzuki. Whichever ride you choose, do you homework before you fork over all that cash. For instance, you’ll need training on how to ride one of those bad boys. In fact, many states require motorcycle licenses in order to operate one. That means Driver’s Ed all over again. Everything from braking, to arm turn signals, all the way up to avoiding wipe outs.

You’re not quite in the realm of being a Hell’s Angel just because you’re good at the simulations in the arcade. To even qualify as a beginner, you will need to build up some real-world experience on a closed driving circuit. This isn’t a problem though as many local community centers and colleges offer motorcycle lessons. These courses can be a few days or a few weeks in length. Those that take the longer courses are generally better riders before they hit the road for real.

If you’re confident about your ability to learn quickly, look into the riding courses from bike manufacturers. Most big name manufacturers will offer courses designed to teach you a lot in a short space of time. Remember though that they will be focused on getting you prepared to ride quickly so you can quickly become one of their customers. If you feel like you may need another couple of lessons after the manufacturer’s course, don’t fret. Many college courses also provide the motorcycles, so you don’t have to worry about wrecking your brand new toy.

Another thing to think about before investing in your motorcycle is your equipment. Your clothing, boots, gloves and helmets are not simply accessories. If you are unfortunate enough to have an accident, and you’re not wearing the proper attire, you’ll be suffering from a very painful case of road rash at best, or being fed through a tube in your stomach (or worse). Although some states don’t require you to wear a helmet, wear one anyway. Worrying about looking dumb is really immature, and helmets come in so many cool colors and styles nowadays. So suit up properly before you get on your ride.

You probably should also face up to the fact that life expectancy does fall once you’ve purchased your motorcycle. In fact, it falls considerably. Automobile drivers are easily distracted by many other activities not pertinent to keeping their eye on the road, and motorcycle riders can be the victims of this inattention. Unfortunately, the injuries that motorcycle riders tend to sustain in road accidents can often be critical, even life-threatening. Make sure that you’ve discussed your decision to ride a bike with your loved ones. It’s also a good plan to make sure your life insurance and will are up-to-date.

That being said, motorcycles can be fun and cheap modes of transportation. 65 miles to the gallon seems rather incredible, right? But it is possible on the back of your motorcycle. Most bikes are extremely fuel-efficient. One main reason is that the engine is carrying less weight than a car’s. Also, you’re driving around with just you most of the time.

Whether your motorcycle is fuel-efficient also depends on the type of bike you choose. Pause for a brief second before rushing out to get that 2000+ CC monster of a bike. You need to make sure that you can cope with the heat and speed of your motorcycle, whether it’s a speed bike or built for cruising. You need confidence when it comes to twisting that throttle. Visit a range of local dealers to get a feel for the right kind of bike for you. It may be wise to start out with a small engine bike initially to get some experience in riding.

Got the gear? Got the training? Made peace with your family and friends by convincing them you will be a conscientious biker? Picked out your chariot? Then all that is left is to turn the key, step on that clutch, and let the engine do the revving for you.

Mahindra Two Wheelers has come up with a new gift for the Dassehara festival, called Stallio. With a tagline of “Jaan hai, Shaan hai aur Itminaan Bhi” the Mahindra Stallio is an entry level 110cc commuter bike; however, it’s boasting of Mahindra’s technology and some irresistible features.

The design of Mahindra Stallio looks appealing from all sides; front, sides and the rear. The Stallio comes with dynamic and interesting body graphics and noteworthy is the headlamp cluster which looks very stylish; it indeed adds a different look to the Stallio.

The headlamp cluster placed at front cowl is eye candy and the smiley-shaped light impresses onlookers, Halogen headlight promises clear vision at night. The windscreen comes in tinted glass and is neatly put just above the headlamp cluster adding glamor to the Mahindra Stallio. The turn blinkers in the front add classy looks to the front. The instrument panel is a mixture of digital and analogue and is placed behind the headlamp cluster. The instrument cluster includes fuel gauge, trip meter, and speedometer. Fuel tank of the Stallio is big and adds to the muscle yet doesn’t give the bike a bulky look. The long and wide seat offers comfortable seating space to rider and the pillion. The rear of the Mahindra Stallio comes with LED tail lamps that merge with the rear blinkers. Overall the Stallio has decent looks.

The new engine is mated to 4-speed constant-mesh transmission gearbox. The engine delivers peak power of 7.3 PS @ 7500 rpm and torque of 8Nm @ 5500 rpm. The bike is also bestowed with digital CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) and TCIS (Throttle-Controlled Ignition System) technology. The engine coupled with the advanced technology makes it a performer.

The Mahindra Stallio is a fuel efficient horse, and it offers a very good mileage of 50-55 kmpl in the city and 60kmpl on the highways. The classy bike comes in beautiful colors to give exciting looks to the bike. It comes in shades of red, silver, black, yellow and green to draw all kinds of bike riders; young to old.

The Stallio comes with dynamic braking system; although it is a let down for disc brake lovers. The bike doesn’t sport disc brakes and comes with 130 mm dia- internal expanding drum brakes both front and the rear.

The advanced suspension technology is neat to give a bump-free ride even on pothole laden roads while offering stability to the bike. The front suspension is telescopic hydraulic damped fork type and the rear is a 5-step adjustable coiled hydraulic damped fork.

The Stallio comes with broad wheels and tyres giving the bike needed robust look and the alloy wheel will appeal to ride enthusiasts. The big and broad tyres offer good controlling of the bike and reduce chances of skidding.

One of the most important matters that you should consider is the type of suspension the cycle has. The main varieties are Hardtail Suspension and Full Suspension. This is an important option, as it will impact the types of terrain you can cover, as well as the overall handling. What’s the difference? Hardtail Suspension only includes front-wheel suspension. Meanwhile, Full-Suspension includes suspension for both the front and rear tires.

As a general rule of thumb, you should opt for Full Suspension when selecting from various mountain bikes. Generally, you’ll experience superior performance and comfort with this option. The drawbacks are that you’ll lose some effectiveness and the suspension will add some additional weight to your cycle. So remember that Full Suspension usually provides the best option.

Does that mean that Hardtail Suspension is never a practical option? It actually provides some benefits. They need less upkeep, which can save you time, money, and effort. Additionally, Hardtail Suspension cycles cost slightly less than Full Suspension cycles. Furthermore, Hardtail Suspension provides increased efficiency, and particularly when riding on level surfaces. This type of suspension is particularly helpful for dirt-jumping and cross-country cycling.

One of the main issues when selecting mountain bikes with either Hardtail or Full Suspension is that Full Suspension is somewhat more expensive. So if you’re going to invest in Full Suspension, it’s best to secure your cycle from a shop that specializes in bicycles.

Another important matter when selecting all-terrain two-wheelers is whether you should choose Rim Brakes or Disc Brakes. Disc Brakes are typically the best option if you don’t mind the extra cost and weight supplying you with superior overall performance. However, the main drawback is related to the extra weight that they create. Although the amount of additional weight is reliant on various factors, it’s still typically quite substantial.

The popularity of Disc Brakes exploded during the 1990s. The performance of these breaks is drastically superior to that of Rom Brakes, and particularly when the riding surfaces are either wet or muddy. They’re also easier to use and are independent of the rims’ state.

Are there instance when Rim Brakes would be a better option? If you’re looking for a lower price or an overall lighter cycle (while sacrificing minor differences in the efficiency of the brakes), then you should consider Rim Brakes.

The design of Rim Brakes has undergone a relatively drastic evolution throughout the years. However, they also have some major drawbacks that you should consider when purchasing an all-terrain two-wheeler. Rim Brakes require undamaged rims, and their performance along wet or muddy surfaces is far from perfect. Additionally, with time, Rim Brakes can grind through the rim’s side and eventually cause it to pop off! That’s certainly a situation that you should want to avoid like the plague.

A third issue that you should consider when buying mountain bikes, is whether you need a gender-specific cycle. In other words, should a woman purchase a women’s bicycle? Although manufacturers have attempted to design these two-wheelers specifically for women, it’s advisable that females test ride both types of cycles, to determine which variety suits them better. This is the only way to learn for certain whether a women’s or men’s bicycle would be a better option.

It’s important to remember that women’s bicycles are for “average” women’s bodies. However, it’s possible that you may not feel completely comfortable on such cycles. For instance, if your body size is larger than the average female’s, then you may want to consider a men’s bicycle. If your body size is smaller than the average female’s, then you may want to consider two-wheelers that manufacturers designed specifically for petite women.

All of these considerations can be crucial whenever you need to purchase mountain bikes. Ultimately, you need to select one that will provide you with a smooth ride when you’re traveling along smooth or rough terrain. That will make your cycling a better experience, which is a good thing!

I recently met many friends while manning a display booth at the Buffalo Springs Lake Triathlon in Lubbock. Lots of folks were interested in the way they could get performance and comfort gains with a custom bicycle. They liked the idea that their triathlon times would improve, but many were perplexed regarding the timing of the bike purchase and the fitting that preceded it. This is a very good question and of course the answer is, “When you think the time is right,” which does not really help most people. What does help, however, is the knowledge of what is happening to you before, during and after the racing season.

Triathletes as a whole tend to be leery of changing anything. From shoes, to diet, to training routines to bicycles, any change will impact the other events and can be difficult or even counter-productive. As such, many people postpone any change as long as possible. I usually hear, “I can’t change before the season starts because I am building up for the season.” Then the story changes to, “I can’t change during the season because I can’t afford any interruption in my training.” Finally, I hear, “It’s the off season and I am recovering, plus I made it through this season, so I think I will keep things the same for next year.” Are you beginning to see a pattern here?

I believe the issue is, people have had such bad luck with change that it doesn’t work that they don’t have confidence that a positive change will in fact occur. They fear that the potential change will not outweigh the risks of training interruption, learning new technique or mastering new equipment. This is totally understandable because there are tons of stories out there describing bike fittings gone bad, running shoes not working, diet changes ruining races, etc.

The points I suggest to people are as follows:

1) If your position on the bike is less than optimal, you are subject to:

a. Limiting your performance on the bike and the run.

b. The potential for overuse injury.

c. De-motivation to train on the bike, instead substituting time in the pool or running to compensate.

2) The key component of our fitting system is moving from a less “natural” to more “natural” position for you. This means that changes in position can happen immediately with minimal adaptation time in most cases.

This means that you really have the ability to change bikes for the better at almost any time in the season. Keep in mind the lead times for custom, however. If you need a new bike, typical lead times are anywhere from six to 14 weeks depending on the frame manufacturer and if there is any custom paint involved. Many people fail to take this into account when considering their bicycle program.

At the end of the day, the bicycle is the one part of your triathlon program that costs the most, lasts the longest and provides the biggest way to improve not only your finishing times but your comfort while training and racing. I have never seen anyone regret improving their bike program but I have seen plenty regret delaying and procrastinating as the need for a new bike sneaked up on them. That said, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” If you are truly comfortable, efficient, fast and really enjoy all aspects of your current bicycle, a new one would simply be an expensive way to look cooler as you have already optimized all that can be improved. Your current bike is fine and you can just train and enjoy your cycling experience.

If, on the other hand, you feel you have not met your potential in the bike leg, you have issues with comfort or efficiency or you are ready to upgrade, consider making your hard earned dollars go as far as possible, with a bicycle designed so well that it feels like a part of you.

Buying a new mountain bike can be a very exciting experience, although be prepared to face some daunting challenges. Regardless of the process that comes with finding the right mountain bike, it’s only a short time away that you’ll be enjoying your new bike on the trails! By following these tips, finding the right mountain bike will be a much easier process as you sift through many different bikes on the market.

There are many different types of mountain bikes, so first decide what you plan on using the bike for. Do you plan on riding cross-country? Free-ride or downhill rides? These are just some of the different possibilities, but the bikes will all vary depending on the intended use. Cross-country bikes can be used on all trails and should be lighter and more agile. Freeride/downhill bikes are usually sturdier and weigh more, which allow for more speed, jumps and downhill rides. All-mountain is a mix of the previous two options and then there are dirt jump bikes, which are similar to BMX bikes.

After choosing the type of course you plan to ride, also consider the terrain as this may vary. If you’re planning on riding trails with steep hills that are rocky, I suggest a full-suspension. For smoother paths that are flat, you won’t need a suspension included.

We all want to get the best deal out there, so it’s important to understand what the different components of the bike are responsible for. The drivetrain, brakes and shocks are extremely important parts of the bike. There maybe some other components important to you, which you should also consider. For example, there’s a lock-out feature available on many bikes, which tightens the shocks to make riding up hills a smoother and easier climb. You can also choose between different types of shifters, design and more.

Choosing the right size bike is one of the biggest factors in finding a comfortable bike. A bike shop can help you figure out the right size bike or if you’re purchasing online, all sites will provide a size chart.

With the options available on the internet, there’s a huge variety of bikes to choose from. There are also fantastic deals to be found on the internet as well. In the past, it was very hard to order bikes online, but Amazon.com has some great options and always read the reviews to get feedback from current owners.

Once you’ve decided the type of bike and budget that suits your needs, you’re ready to buy a new bike! When you’re making your purchase, look for the components you had in mind or feel free to ask for the changes as many places are able to make the changes (such as pedal options or a different saddle).

The last piece of advice, is always ride safe. Make sure to purchase a quality helmet for your rides, not matter what terrain you plan on riding on. All surfaces can easily cause permanent damage, however a helmet can certainly protect you from injury. If you’re riding at night, wear reflectors. I hope this guide has helped you understand what to look for when shopping for a mountain bike! Good luck with your search!

About to buy your first mini motorbike? You’ll have to know the basics of buying new pocket bikes. It’s not just a matter of what’s hot and what’s not – no matter what kind of bike you buy, you should be aware of some factors that may actually complicate the fact that you own one.

Planning and being aware of the risks and pitfalls that come with owning something like a mini motorbike are necessary. These are just some of the things you have to ask yourself before you can rest assured that the new pocket bikes you have your eye on are actually worth the purchase.

1. How powerful do you want your bike to be? Pocket bikes are made for racing, but not all such vehicles are created equal. If you want a miniature motorbike that could go fast, you should check the horsepower or the ccs on the machine. Some bikes can go as fast as 70 km per hour! These are normally also the large bikes called “super pocket rockets.”

If you want your bike to be able to carry a large load, you should look into the weight capacity of your bike. All these factors contribute to the power of a bike.

2. Can you afford the maintenance? Mini motos may be significantly more affordable than their full-scale counterparts, but that doesn’t mean they are cheap to keep!

Good, imported mini motos could cost up to $3000 upon purchase. These don’t include add-ons, customization fees and repairs! Super pocket bikes, or larger bikes that go beyond the standard 2-feet height and actually approach the full-scale sizes, of course cost more than usual. If you’re just starting off, perhaps you would like to consider a budget bike which costs somewhere around $200. You could then set aside more of your money for customization, streamlining, and learning the ins and outs of mini motorcycle maintenance.

3. Does your state allow pocket bikes on the street? That is to say, do you have the assurance that your bikes are street legal? Pocket bikes are too small to be ridden in public, so they are banned from the streets in many states.

But just because pocket bikes are not street legal, you are not exactly prohibited from owning one. You could own a bike for display, or for riding off-road. You could also take your bikes to designated racing or parade areas, where you could ride them with relative safety and without the hassle of worrying if you’ll have to reason with the police just for riding something you actually own!

If you’re determined to get your first bike from the new pocket bikes that are out in the market, your priority is becoming aware of your capacity to take care of it. It’s not exactly a small investment, and taking care of it is not an easy task!